Saturday, February 5, 2011

Part III. Chapter XXVII. EXTREME UNCTION AND HOLY ORDERS

414. What is Extreme Unction?
Extreme Unction is a sacrament which gives grace to die well, and is instituted chiefly for the spiritual strength and comfort of dying persons.
415. Is Extreme Unction given to all persons in danger of death?
Extreme Unction is given only to those who have reached the use of reason, and are in danger of death from sickness or old age.
416. What are the special effects of Extreme Unction?
Extreme Unction gives resignation in sickness and strength against temptation; it prepares the soul to enter heaven by the remission of sin and its effects; and it sometimes restores bodily health.
417. Is mortal sin ever remitted through Extreme Unction?
Mortal sin is remitted through Extreme Unction, when the sick person is unable to receive the sacrament of Penance and has imperfect contrition.
418. How should we prepare for Extreme Unction?
We should prepare for Extreme Unction by receiving the sacraments of Penance and the Blessed Eucharist, by making acts of contrition, faith, hope and charity, and by resigning ourselves to the will of God.
419. Who can administer Extreme Unction?
Only the priests of the Church have power to administer Extreme Unction.
420. How is Extreme Unction administered?
Extreme Unction is administered by anointing with oil and by prayer.
421. What is the chief duty of those in charge of the sick?
The chief duty of those in charge of the sick is to call in the priest when a patient is greviously ill, that he may be prepared to receive worthily and in good time the sacraments of Penance, the Blessed Eucharist and Extreme Unction.
422. What is Holy Orders?
Holy Orders is the sacrament by which men are made bishops, priests and other ministers of the Church, and are given the graces necessary for their sacred duties.
423. Which are the chief powers given to a priest in Holy Orders?
The chief powers given to a priest are: to offer the holy sacrifice of the Mass, and to forgive sins in the sacrament of Penance.
424. Who can confer Holy Orders?
Only bishops have the power to confer the sacrament of Holy Orders.
425. How should Catholics look upon their priests?
Catholics should reverence their priests as the representatives of Jesus Christ.

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